Out of the 6002 deaths in the UAE in 2003, 1659 were caused by cardiovascular diseases, an alarming rate of 28%, which is on the rise. Cardiovascular complications have now spread to effect the younger generations, where it has now become common to witness people in their thirties suffering from strokes, heart attacks, the hardening of blood vessels and brain hemorrhaging.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Hammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the General Authority for Health Services for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the 'Screening Program for Cardiovascular Diseases' was launched to address the issue, and spread awareness about how early prevention can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications for men and women of all ages.
At a press conference called to launch the program, The Authority announced that it will set up screening and monitoring facilities at hospitals, government sector departments and public areas across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to provide free tests to citizens and residents above the age of 25. Medical professionals will screen people for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
"Cardiovascular complications are among the most common diseases and the primary cause of death around the country," Mohammed Al-Qubaisi, Executive Committee Chairman and Director of Sheikh Hammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Office. "These diseases are alarming due to the increase of such cases not only among the elderly, but also among the younger generations."
Cardiovascular diseases range in variety and mainly include: heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, high blood pressure and brain hemorrhaging that causes paralysis. Medical researches identified that such diseases stem from seven main factors including: 1). high blood pressure, 2). diabetes, 3). high cholesterol levels, 4). obesity, 5). smoking, 6). lack of physical activity and 7). psychological stress.
"Surveys show that at least one out of four adults are effected by high blood pressure, diabetes or cholerterol that are caused by obesity, smoking or lack of exercise," said Ahmed Al-Rumaithi, Health Affairs Division head. "We therefore encourage all citizens and residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to participate in this campaign in order to detect and deter any cardiovascular complications at an early stage."
The fight to conquer cardiovascular diseases and the factors leading to them is an ongoing, long term battle that necessitates a three-pronged approach comprising, firstly, of a medical screening scheme for all adults in the Emirate to find out whether they are affected by high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes and providing the necessary care and medication if detected. This is followed by instilling a comprehensive program at all hospitals and medical facilities aimed at stopping smoking, reducing weight and psychological pressure.
"And finally, a health awareness campaign to reach out to all citizens and residents of all ages meant to demonstrate the relationship between cardiovascular diseases and the factors leading to them, and to encouraging them to adopt healthy lifestyles," concluded Professor Hashem Jaddou Consultant Community/Medicine Director, Health Education Program.
